Fuel dealer, home set on fire by thugs

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A man from Inyathi in Matabeleland North’s Bubi district was set alight by suspected robbers in front of his children after he refused to surrender money during a raid at his home.

Ephraim Sibanda (48) is battling for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after suffering severe burns in the shocking incident.

Matabeleland North province police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said Sibanda, who was storing fuel at his home, was raided by the suspected robbers on Wednesday night.

“The three assailants arrived at the complainant’s homestead, who is an illegal fuel dealer at around 1.30AM while he was asleep with his wife Naumi Sibanda (48) and processed to a one-roomed thatched house where the complainant stores his fuel and they stole it, “Banda said.

“The accused persons then knocked on the complainant’s bedroom window as he opened, one of the accused immediately splashed fuel on his head and his bedroom while the other two were hitting the window panels with unknown objects demanding to be given money and other valuables.”

When Sibanda refused to hand over the cash, one of the suspects set him alight.

” One of them lit a matchstick and the complainant caught fire including the six-bedroomed house he was sleeping in with his three children were awakened by his father’s screams and managed to escape the house, which had caught fire,” Banda said.

Sibanda’s wife and two other relatives, who were also in the house managed to escape the blaze.

Banda said the family tried to put down the fire until the roof caved in, trapping Sibanda. The property was destroyed in the inferno.

Property that was destroyed included a television set, wardrobes, kitchen unit and sofas.

Sibanda was taken to Inyathi District Hospital before being transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital where his condition is said to be “serious.”

The suspects, who are still at large, are facing armed murder charges.

“We kindly implore our valued citizens not to fight with armed robbers when chances of defending themselves are bleak,” Banda said.

“People should also ensure security of their premises by installing burglar bars and screen doors where possible.

“Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of these rogue criminals may advise the nearest police station.”